Heerz Tooya
ARV.I

Application & Guide

Open Call – We accept applications on a rolling basis.

First deadline: 15 November 2026

The ARV.I Artist Residency Program offers a stimulating and flexible environment for artists to experiment, create new work, and expand their exhibition experience. ARV.I provides an opportunity to step outside one's usual surroundings, meet other international artists, and engage with village life in Vishovgrad and the culture and landscape of the Veliko Tarnovo region. During their stay, artists are encouraged to develop their work and pursue their projects on their own terms.

We encourage all accepted applicants to seek external funding to cover the residency fee and other expenses, including accommodation, travel, transportation, and costs related to a potential solo exhibition. To support these funding applications, ARV.I will provide accepted applicants with a letter of agreement confirming their residency and a letter of intent for an exhibition to be held at the end of the residency period.

Please note that ARV.I is located in a rural village. An open-minded approach to different cultures, a degree of independence, and a willingness to share living spaces with others are essential. Artists should also be prepared to adapt to the particularities of rural life and embrace the exploratory experience of living and working in a village environment.

Application

Availability in 2027:

  • May: 2 Big Rooms
  • June: 1 Small Room / 1 Big Rooms
  • July: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
  • August: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
  • September: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
  • October: 2 Big Rooms

We have waiting lists. We encourage everyone to apply regardless of whether there are no available spots.

1-month costs:

  • Small room: 1000 Euro
  • Big room: 1150 Euro

ARV. I Offers

  • 96m2 shared studio space.
  • Private bedrooms with single beds, shared kitchen, bathroom, and garden.
  • An exhibition curated by Gallery Heerz Tooya at the end of the residency period. Open for collaborative group exhibitions. To participate in an exhibition is not obligatory.
  • Photo documentation of the artworks and the entire exhibitions.
  • Letter of agreement, tailored confirmations, and other documents for external funding.

ARV.I Conditions

  • The program can accommodate a maximum of three residents at a time.
  • Accepted applicants must deposit 50% of the Residency fee five months before arrival. If the application is canceled, the deposit will not be refunded.
  • ARV.I does not cover travel and living costs.
  • The spoken language is primarily English.
  • ARV.I does not cover production materials, insurance, or any transport of materials, artworks, or objects produced or collected during the residency period.

How to apply

Compose an email with the following information:

  • Name:
  • Date of birth:
  • Current city of residence:
  • Nationality:
  • E-mail:
  • Website / Instagram:
  • I am applying for the month:
  • Big room or Small room:
  • How I found the ARV.I Open Call:
  • My exhibition project will include (in short):
  • Please add if you have any special needs, be it medical or otherwise:

In the Email, please attach one PDF document (max 10 MB), including your CV, artist statement, and photo documentation of your recent artworks and exhibitions.

Send the email to post@arv.international with the subject ARV.I 2027 Artist Residency / your name

Guide

General tips

  • There are no ATMs in Vishovgrad. The nearest ones are in Byala Cherkva and Pavlikeni.
  • The local shops in Vishovgrad sell all the basic necessities. They usually open around 08:00 and close around 23:00.

BUSES and TRAINS

Search for bus schedules on www.biomet.bg/en

Search for train schedules on www.bdz.bg/en

RENT A CAR

Didi Autocomplex in Veliko Turnovo: www.travel-agent-bg.com/en/rent-a-car (+359) 8882 66 966 Tip: It is recommended to have a car, as there are limited buses in and out of the village.

VISHOVGRAD

PAVLIKENI

VELIKO TURNOVO

There are plenty of other museums, galleries, bars, restaurants, and landmarks around the city.

SOFIA